THIS WAIVER IS MANDATORY FOR PET ENTRY

Please print the waiver and bring it with you when you are entering the show!

TIPS FOR ATTENDING WITH YOUR PETS

With hundreds of exhibitors, guest appearances, we want you to get the most out of bringing your family pet with you to the Canadian Pet Expo. In promoting responsible pet ownership we have some tips, suggestions and requirements below:

1. Only bring your pet along if it is well-behaved, non-aggressive and doesn’t get stressed out in crowded, stimulating and noisy situations. There is a large diversity of animals, small children, wheelchairs and lots of people at the event. Your pet will be exposed to many unusual animal noises, people speaking loudly on microphones, crowds clapping and attendees cheering. You know your pet best, so please use your best judgment to make sure that your pet will enjoy the Canadian Pet Expo just as much as you will and the many other attendees.

2. While we have a number of staff members who are always carefully watching the crowds and pets to ensure everyone stays and plays safe, it only takes a second for an incedent to occur. Please review safe dog (and all pets, for that matter) greeting behaviors with your children before attending the show. Remind your family members to always ask the owner’s permission to pet an animal, allow the calm pet to sniff their hands and then they should gently pet the animal’s chest, chin or back (not the top of its head), speaking calmly and quietly to the pet. Children should never “stare down” a dog, jump on it, grab it from behind or scream at it. If a dog is hyper and won’t sit for the owner, walk away and don’t allow your family members to pet the dog. Sometimes even the most well behaved pets can be startled, especially if they are already energized being at such an exciting event.

3. We only have a few rules for bringing pets:

Your pet must be current on all age-appropriate shots or you should plan to have your pet’s immunizations updated before the event. These immunization requirements only apply to dogs and cats. A rabies tag with the year stamped is acceptable as proof of vaccinations, as are blood titer results for those pet parents who don’t immunize annually.

Dogs and cats must be on a fixed lead no longer than 6 feet, at all times. Retractable leads are not permitted.

No female pets in heat may attend.

You’ll be required to sign a pet waiver at the entrance, but you can avoid waiting in line by visiting The Canadian Pet Expo website to fill out your pet waiver form in advance.

4. Take note of the pet-potty areas located outdoors. While we do have pet clean-up teams at the event, please bring required items to do so yourself. Just like on a walk at the park, please be kind and pick up after your pet.

5. Pet water stations will be scattered throughout the expo so that your excited companion doesn’t get dehydrated. These are communal bowls, so if you have a puppy or elderly pet, please keep it safe and bring a travel or disposable bowl for their use.

6. This is a large event. If you have a pet breed with you that can’t tolerate this kind of exertion, please plan to bring a stroller or wagon for them. While the event is indoors and climate controlled, it’s a lot of exercise for breeds that don’t handle heat or exercise well.

7. Pace yourself! It’s a long day and there are many interactive events and displays to see. Make sure you take periodic breaks and give your pet a chance to rest or step out of the expo for a few moments of quiet if you plan to stay all day.

8. Many exhibitors offer some sort of treat or taste tests for pets. If your pet has a sensitive stomach or is super excited, you may want to consider allowing your pet one or two treats and then allowing her/him to enjoy the rest at home. We see a lot of dogs gobble up as many treats as possible only to – ahem – give them back a few hours later.

9. If you have a small or tiny dog, you may want to be prepared to either carry it or have a stroller available. There are so many large and super large dogs at the expos that some small pet owners feel overwhelmed and their little fur-babies may unintentionally get stepped on.

10. The asphalt throughout the parking lot may be extremely hot. It could easily burn your pets’ feet if your pet has to walk across it. Please consider putting booties or some sort of protective footwear on your four-legged friend.

11. Please be aware of the local By-Laws, and only bring animals that are legal to do so in the city.

12. Any and all reptiles, arachnids, or terrarium dwelling pets must be confined at all times.

13. Please respect the exhibitors’ instructions as you approach their booth. They may request that you keep your distance from their animals for safety concerns.

14. If you intend on visiting all parts of the show, make sure you bring a buddy who can care for your pet in the pet-friendly zones. Some areas of the show will be off limits to public pets, due to the nature of the exhibitors in that area.

Bring Your Pets!

Be sure to include the family pets at the NPE. Whether your pet family member crawls, slithers, hops, walks or swims, bring them along to enjoy the festivities. Just remember to bring a signed waiver with you.